‘Bajirao Mastani’ emerges winner at TOIFA 2016

Dubai: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period love saga “Bajirao Mastani” continued its winning streak by taking home maximum trophies at the Times of India Film Awards – 2016 including the best director prize for the filmmaker and best actor honour for Ranveer Singh.

An awards season favourite this year, “Bajirao Mastani” also earned Priyanka Chopra the best supporting actress award, best playback singer trophy (female) for Shreya Ghoshal and composer of the year award for Bhansali (‘Deewani Mastani’).

The movie, however, lost the best film award to Kabir Khan’s 2015 blockbuster “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, which was widely appreciated for its emotional story of a Pakistani deaf and mute girl who is rescued by a Hanuman devotee, played by super star Salman Khan.

While Bhansali kept his award acceptance speech short and sweet, his lead actor appeared overwhelmed and took some time on the stage to thank the filmmaker.

Addressing to Bhansali, Ranveer said, “You are an inspiring man. I am something else when I work with you. I hope our collaboration continues and we work together again to entertain audience.”

When his name was announced, Ranveer pulled Bhansali in a long bear hug and kissed him before walking up to the stage. Ranveer was presented the award by an entrepreneur but it seemed the 30-year-old wanted to make the most of the moment as he asked superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was hosting the segment, to come and present him his best actor trophy.

Kabir Khan dedicated the best film honour to the movie’s star and co-producer Salman.

For her endearing turn as bucked-teeth Dattoo in Anand L Rai’s “Tanu Weds Manu Returns”, Kangana Ranaut won the best actress award.

Krishika Lulla of Eros International, the film’s co-producers, accepted on the behalf of the actress.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan won the best actor critics choice award for his portrayal of a cranky father in “Piku”.

The 73-year-old, while thanking audience for its support, said he was glad people were finally accepting films like “Piku”.

Kalki Koechlin picked the best actress critics choice award for “Margarita, With A Straw”.

The best supporting actor (male) award went to Anil Kapoor for his performance in Zoya Akhtar’s “Dil Dhadakne Do”.

Deepak Dobriyal was honoured with the award for the best actor in a comic role for “Tanu Weds Manu Returns”.

Sooraj Pancholi bagged the best debutant (male) trophy for last year’s forgettable movie “Hero”, while Bhumi Pedneker took home the best debutant (female) award for her acclaimed performance as an “over-sized” bride in romantic-comedy-drama “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”.

Neeraj Ghaywan took home the best debutant director prize for his work on “Masaan”.

Best album award went to “Roy”, while Varun Grover bagged the best lyricist honour for “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” (‘Dum Lagake Haisha’).

The sweet melody also earned Papon the best singer (male) award.

The award ceremony, held last night at the Dubai International Stadium, were hosted by Riteish Deshmukh, Parineeti Chopra (in a pair) and Manish Paul.
Bachchan was also honoured with the living legend award,

which was presented to him by Anil Kapoor at the second edition of TOIFA.

Another highlight of the event remained the presence of stars Shah Rukh, Salman, Ranveer and Kareena Kapoor Khan, who, among others, captivated the audiences with their performances.

Shah Rukh received the loudest cheers and the warmest reception by the audience as he made his way on the stage for his short but engaging performance.

The 50-year-old actor performed on his hits like “Gerua”, “Chhaiyaan Chhaiyaan” and the latest rage “Jabra Fan”, and with his dimpled smile, signature arm-stretching pose and infectious energy enthralled the audience, so much so that people stood on their seats to see him perform.

Salman paid a tribute to the Bollywood heroes including his close friends Shah Rukh, Aamir Khan and Sanjay Dutt.

Though the star looked a bit lost during his act, it was saved by his high-octane performance which he maintained throughout his over-five minute performance.

Ranveer paid a dancing tribute to Bachchan by performing on his hits like “Pag Ghungroo”, “Jumma Chumma”, “Saara Zamana” and “Kajra Re”. The actor got Bachchan on the stage and made him do a little jig on “Kajra Re”, giving a befitting end to his act.

Kareena paid a homage to Hindi film divas from Helen to herself, in the contemporary setting.

Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, who is back in the music after a short hiatus, got the crowd grooving on his chartbusters and even had Varun and Ranveer come on stage and perform with him.

Among the hosts, Riteish’s impeccable comic timing added right punches to quirk up the long night, while Parineeti provided the able support with her effervescence and smart stage presence.

In one of the segments, the duo jokingly read out some predictions made by an imaginary astrologer. “15 years later, Salman Khan is still single, Karan Johar is also ‘still’ single and John Abraham is still trying to act,” they quipped, evoking laughter from the audience.

Manish, a hosting regular, engaged with the stars to entertain the audience. One such example was when he asked actor Varun Dhawan to do a seductive dance for the crowd. Like a true sport, the young star did a small jig at his number “Mann ma emotion jaage” much to the audience’s delight.